In order to bring into focus those people for whom the Church should have a particular care, the following working definition may be helpful:

Any adult aged 18 or over who, by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness or other situation is permanently or for the time being unable to take care of him or herself, or to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.

A narrower definition is in use for the particular purpose of applying to the Criminal Records Bureau, but it should be noted that the latest government guidance on Safeguarding Adults does not speak of ‘vulnerable adults’, which puts the onus on the victim of abuse, but rather concentrates on enabling adults to ‘retain independence, well being and choice and to access their human right to live a life that is free from abuse and neglect’.

A definition of mistreatment, abuse and harm

Mistreatment is defined in No Secrets as ‘a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons’. In a church context it could be any misuse of a pastoral or managerial relationship, from the most serious to less severe behaviour, which lies at its root. The term covers abuse, bullying and harassment. These categories are not watertight and can merge into one another. Harm is what results from mistreatment or abuse.